Be The Star You Are Inc

Nonprofit Issues:

Arts & Culture, Children & Youth, Education

Address:

PO Box 376 MoragaCA94556USA

Mission:

OVERVIEW
The prevalence of violence in the media and its potential harm to everyone is a concern for many family and community members. Today’s youth are finding it increasingly difficult to recognize that they have the ability, responsibility, and power to determine their own destiny and choose their own future. To help women, families, and youth we provide access to positive and productive information and role models through books and our first class good news radio program. We help individuals discover their passion, learn life skills, gain effective conflict management skills, and build self-esteem through increased literacy and positive programs

STATISTICS:
According to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary Survey on Children, Violence and the Media:
∑ An American child will have seen 16,000 simulated murders and 200,000 acts of violence by the age of 18
∑ Modern music lyrics have become increasingly explicit concerning sex, drugs, and violence against women
∑ More than 10 million web sites exist on the Internet dedicated to violent words, music and images

The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) reported that juveniles under age 18 were involved in 27% of all serious violent victimizations, including 14% of sexual assaults, 30% of robberies, and 27% of aggravated assaults.

Nearly four in 10 fourth-graders nationwide failed to achieve even partial mastery of the reading skills needed for school success. In our highest-poverty schools, nearly seven in 10 fourth-graders fail to read at this basic level.

Individuals with poor self-esteem are more vulnerable to peer pressure, more likely to have depressive reactions, eating disorders, and low achievement standards. They are at higher risk to abuse alcohol and drugs, partake in violent activities, and risky behavior.

MISSION
Be the Star You Are! is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation empowering women, families and youth through improved literacy and positive media. Be the Star You Are! collects and distributes books and other resources as a way to raise their life skills and self esteem. This media ranges from education and advisement to inspiration and guidance and covers every aspect of life, from abuse through money management.

Be the Star You Are! is an ALL volunteer organization that operates through contributions, in-kind donations, and proceeds from fund-raising events. Be the Star You Are! does not receive state or federal funding and is solely dependent on contributions from the community and corporations.

Be the Star You Are! has no religious or political agendas or affiliations.

Results:

As of April 2014, Be the Star You Are! has served approximately 419,800 individuals and families within 84 organizations and has logged more than 400,000 volunteer hours, while distributing over $1.7 million in resources. Be the Star You Are! was nominated for the California Governor’s and First Lady’s Service Awards and touted with five star ratings as a top rated non profit by GuideStar and Great Non Profits in the Women’s Empowerment Campaign. Be the Star You Are! radio program broadcasts to 4.5 million listeners in 219 countries. More than 2000 authors, experts, and professionals have been interviewed on our show. Our teen show, Express Yourself!™ boasts all teen hosts and reporters from around the USA and is #1 on the Voice America Kids Network. Volunteers herald from all over the world performing duties virtually. BTSYA trains teens to be writers and reporters and gets them published. Over 1000 books have been read and reviewed by our Star Teen Book Review Team and published by publishers, The Reading Tub, and on our web site at www.BTSYA.com.
NATIONAL OUTREACH SUCCESS STORIES
1. Operation Ground Hero¬–With the attacks on America on September 11, 2001, Be the Star You Are! was one of the first charities to offer support and resources to the victims. Several hundred local volunteers as well as volunteers around the country helped us ship over 50 pallets of uplifting materials valued at over $57,000.
2. Operation Hurricane Relief–After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, Be the Star You Are! partnered with volunteers in the South to deliver $27,000 worth of books and resources to libraries, schools, groups, and shelters.
3. Operation Fire Relief–Only four years after the devastating Cedar Fires, Southern California experienced over a dozen wildfires raging for two months from October to December of 2007. With thousands of families left homeless, Be the Star You Are! worked with relief agencies to deliver over $10,000 of books and holiday gifts to children.
4. Operation Tornado Disaster Relief-in 2011 a devastating tornado swept through the Midwest. The city of Joplin, Missouri was hard hit, destroying 262 classrooms and 16 schools. Be the Star You Are!® shipped $48,000 worth of brand new books for ages k-12 plus additional resources for parents to the Joplin schools. In addition, Access Family Care medical facilities in Neosho, Missouri were shipped books for newborns to the elderly.
5. Operation Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief
Approximately $20,000 in resources were shipped to the East Coast and distributed through our partner, Angels Clothing Closet in New Jersey.
6. Operation Midwest Tornado Disaster Relief-in November of 2013 severe storms swept across twelve states in the Midwest with multiple tornadoes damaging thousands of structures. Be the Star You Are!® delivered 2000 brand new books valued at $40,000 to fire departments, churches, schools, and shelters to be given to children as holiday gifts.
http://www.BTSYA.org

Target demographics:

Be the Star You Are!® supports all ages with a targeted demographic of women, families, and youth to increase literacy and positive media programming.

Direct beneficiaries per year:

An audience of millions of listeners to the radio show, StarStyle-Be the Star You Are! (http://www.BethestaryouareRadio.org) broadcast to 219 countries. Our teen program, Express Yourself!™ is heard in 192 countries. (http://www.ExpressYourselfTeenRadio.com) Numerous charities who receive our books and their clients benefit from receiving our donated books. In addition, the hundreds of books reviews written by our teen volunteers help parents, teachers, and librarians choose appropriate books for children and we give a voice to the voiceless through our creative site, http://www.BTSYA.org.

Geographic areas served:

Outreach programs and volunteers are global. BTSYA serves areas in need of increased literacy and positive media as well as ships books to disaster areas.

Programs:

Starstyle-Be the Star You Are! Radio Program- http://www.BetheStarYouAreRadio.com
Express Yourself!™ TEEN Radio Program-http://www.ExpressYourselfTeenRadio.com
Express Yourself Creative Community-http://www.BTSYA.com
STAR TEEN Book Review Team
Letters for Literacy
Community Events
Book Distribution Program
Reading SPELLS Success Audio Program
TEEN Mentoring
Speaker's Bureau
Amazon Discounted Book Store Program
Operation Disaster Relief
Annual National Essay Contest
Important URLS to follow us:
Here are a few web sites you'll want to visit to get to know our programs, people, and products.
1. Starstyle-Be the Star You Are! Radio Show
Cynthia Brian interviews authors and experts who help you excel in life. In T42, Heather Brittany discuss pop culture and Generation Y.
http://www.voiceamerica.com/worldtalkradio/vshow.aspx?sid=764
Always archived with descriptions, photos, and information at http://www.bethestaryouareradio.com
Free on ITUNES: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=310762728
2. Radio Show PODCASTS:
http://www.podOmatic.com/people/index/starstyle
http://starstyle.podOmatic.com
http://www.switchpod.com/users/starstyle/feed.xml
http://bethestaryouare.mypodcast.com
http://www.podfeed.net/podcast/Be+The+Star+You+Are/20565
http://podcast.com/show/228304/Be-The-Star-You-Are
http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podcasts/115092
http://www.digitalpodcast.com/detail-Be_The_Star_You_Are-24233.html
http://starstyle.podbean.com/
3. RSS Feed for Radio
Add this feed to your favorites: http://starstyle.podbean.com/feed
World Talk Radio Feed: feed://wtr.radiopilot.net/worldtalkradio/vrss.aspx?sid=764
4. SHOP UNTIL YOU DROP while helping Be the Star You Are!
http://astore.amazon.com/starstyleprod
http://www.goodsearch.com/goodshop.aspx (choose Be the Star You Are! to support)
5. YOU TUBE-See our movies!
http://www.youtube.com/Bethestaryouare
Our series SHINE:
Shine intro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_egFGWX5QyA
Shine-Expectations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcPwz78t_l8
Shine-The Family that Plays Together http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx6x-3SqpKY
Shine: The Pear Festival http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crWWu6jApMk&feature=channel_page
Shine: Read, Lead, Succeed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE1X3P2Tugw
Do you want to be a Star?- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDXQ_oirYCM&feature=user
Conversations-Be the Star You Are! for TEENS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBCsNZ43dTo
Book- Be the Star You Are! for TEENS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyBldTnnS6E
Come into the Library: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Juwr1WWLvKc
Salute to the Charity: http://volunteers.magnify.net/video/Be-The-Star-You-Are
Tanks and T-shirts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVdNNamcIUs
In a Word-Empowering Teens:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW_6DOwmuc0
Making a Difference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCWcQlXN3gA
STAR Teens Talk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Lk_bl9hu_M
6. BUY BOOKS ON AMAZON at deep discounts
http://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity
7. MAKE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUG NETWORK FOR GOOD
http://www.networkforgood.org/pca/Badge.aspx?BadgeId=109461
8. SHOP YOUR FAVORITE STORES WHILE MAKING A DONATION
http://www.iGive.com/BTYSA
http://www.givebackamerica.com/charity.php?b=768
9. VISIT BE THE STAR YOU ARE!
http://www.bethestaryouare.org
10. MYSPACE- Add us as a friend
URL www.myspace.com/starstylebethestaryouare
11. TWITTER
http://twitter.com/BetheStarYouAre
http://twitter.com/BTSYA_Radio
http://twitter.com/StarstyleRadio
http://twitter.com/TheStarYouAre
12. RADIO HOSTS
http://radiohosts.ning.com/profile/CynthiaBrianBetheStarYouAre
13.BOOK PROMOTIONS-more about books and authors
http://pumpupyourbookpromotion.ning.com/profile/CynthiaBrianBetheStarYouAre
14. PODBEAN PODCASTING
http://starstyle.podbean.com/
16. Hi5-Add us as a friend
http://bethestaryouare.hi5.com
17. FACEBOOK
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Moraga-California/Be-the-Star-You-Are/38096443724
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Be-the-Star-you-Are/120523041318595
EVENTS
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=74095942514#/event.php?eid=74095942514
18. CHANGING THE PRESENT
http://changingthepresent.org/nonprofits/show?ein=943333882
19. Donate through Ebay/MissionFish
http://donations.ebay.com/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=1504
20. BLOGSPOT
http://btsya.blogspot.com/
21. Book: BE THE STAR YOU ARE!® FOR TEENS
http://www.bethestaryouare.com
22. VIDEO: ABC Salutes Be the Star You Are!® charity
http://volunteers.magnify.net/video/Be-The-Star-You-Are
23. FLICKR:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/btsya/

Photos

3 hours of volunteer time for this nonprofit will...

Volunteer with:1. our Letters for Literacy program2. our Book Review Team3. our Social Networking Team4. a community event5. deliver books to those in need6. become a reporter on our teen radio program7. finding beneficiaries who need our support8. fundraising9. Find a sponsor for our next national Essay Contest

3 hours of volunteer time for this nonprofit will...

Volunteer with:1. our Letters for Literacy program2. our Book Review Team3. our Social Networking Team4. a community event5. deliver books to those in need6. become a reporter on our teen radio program7. finding beneficiaries who need our support8. fundraising9. Find a sponsor for our next national Essay Contest

GreatNonprofits News

Reviews for Be The Star You Are Inc

I've volunteered for the be the star you are for about 6 months and have truly enjoyed the experience. Even though I have a small role as a podcast uploader, Cynthia has really given me a different perspective in everyday life through her knowledge she spreads in her podcasts. She has done an incredible job making BTSYA such a wonderful program. Congrats to BTSYA for getting nominated!

This organization has always had the wonderful purpose of taking books that would otherwise be destroyed, and contributing and distributing them to other organizations that benefit children and families in crisis. I volunteer for other charities as well, and I know what a struggle they have all had in the recent economic slow-down. Right now, BTSYA is in the exciting position of having excess books, so they can have a book sale and raise some much-needed money to help further the cause! Watch www.BeTheStarYouAre.org to get in on the sale and benefit both yourself and the charity. A true win-win!

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1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
May 29, 201205/29/2012

The positive energy this organization has always brought to its Mission never ceases. Youth, women and families, and people in crisis everywhere have benefited from the message of hope and help and cheer that comes from Be the Star You Are!

Would you volunteer for this group again?

For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?

A lot

Did the organization use your time wisely?

Very Well

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

Definitely

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2012

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1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
January 25, 201101/25/2011

1 person found this review helpful

I've volunteered for a long time with Be the Star You Are, but recently I had the occassion to be served by the charity. When my younger sister passed away recently, Cynthia dedicated a segment of her radio show to my talented sister, who wrote 2 chapters for the Book "Be the Star You Are!-For TEENS". That was a great service to me during my time of need. This organization strives to really be there for people. Thank you.

"Be the Star You are" continues to excel each year -- giving literacy a boost for thousands of kids around the country. And, by doing that, giving them a chance to really "make a difference" in this world. It is a well run and efficient charity!

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1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
January 26, 201101/26/2011

We have been working with BE THE STAR YOU ARE for many, many years. Our company has donated computers and also done some software development for this important 501(c)3. I am always impressed with how much they get done for a given dollar of donation!! We donate whenever we can, time, money, and advise.

Be the Star You Are! has given me and countless other teens a voice as well as an opportunity to let our thoughts be heard. Each time I do a radio show, I am able to do something unique without any limitations because Be the Star You Are! cares about what everyone has to say. I also love that at any time, I can hone all my passions like writing or music in any kind of charity work with BTSYA, thus making my experience of giving back to the community a truly personal and enjoyable one.

Be the Star You Are is unrivaled in its commitment to promoting literacy and spreading wholesome literature in its community and beyond. BTSYA has offered me so many opportunities as a volunteer -- sharing local teens' messages through the local Lamorinda Weekly newspaper, and writing for the online Press Pass and BTSYA blogs. BTSYA is remarkable in that every member brings an extraordinary and unique contribution to the group to serve an end we all strongly believe in. I've been able to contribute my music skills to spreading the message about BTSYA in the community through lively pop-up concerts. Other members for example contribute their impressive speaking skills through the radio program. BTSYA is committed to empowering teens -- helping them find important and fulfilling roles in the organization, and helping them make a difference in their community. From regular book donations to active participation in local festivals to spread the word of BTSYA, BTSYA continues to serve and empower women, families and children.

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1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
April 15, 201404/15/2014

Signing up as a volunteer with Be the Star You Are this past summer was my first step to an active commitment in my community, an involvement that has helped me grow beyond my shell and take a leadership role directing concert fundraisers and a writer for the local newspaper. I have organized street performances for BTSYA outreach and fundraising, which I think are a great example of taking the best of one's individual talents and combining them with others' to make a direct and positive impact on the local community, especially using that connection to promote the important cause of literacy. I am extremely thankful for these opportunities and hope to continue exploring my abilities and the possibilities of contributing positively to my community with Be the Star You Are.

After working and volunteering with Be the Star You Are! Charity for the past seven years, I have nothing but praise for its goals of positivity, literacy, and well-being for women, families, and youth across the world. Though the volunteer team at Be the Star You Are! has changed constantly since I first joined, the team dynamic has always stayed the same. Everyone is warm, welcoming, and loves working with others to spread the goodwill of this charity to others. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to begin working with this charity so many years ago!

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1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
April 28, 201304/28/2013

It's been about five years since I first started volunteering with Be the Star You Are! Charity, and I'm very happy to say that I am still a part of the charity, even as a college student. Joining Be the Star You Are! has given me many opportunities to work with adults on a business level and to broadcast on a radio show. Thanks to these experiences, I have gained more confidence in both my communication skills and in myself. I look forward to continuing my work with Be the Star You Are! and highly suggest anyone interested in communications and media to check this charity out.

Would you volunteer for this group again?

For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?

Life-changing

Did the organization use your time wisely?

Very Well

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

Definitely

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2013

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1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
January 26, 201101/26/2011

I've been working with Be the Star You Are! for the past three years, and I have truly enjoyed every minute of it. As a volunteer, I read and review books of all different genres and help out at various events. Volunteering with Be the Star You Are! has introduced me to many new people, all of whom are very kind, dedicated people. It is because of my work with Be the Star You Are! that I have met so many teenagers with the same interests as me: reading, writing, and helping others.
Cynthia Brian, the founder of Be the Star You Are!, is inspirational, optimistic, and extremely dedicated to her work. Through her positive influence as a role model, I feel like I have grown as a writer and learned more about interacting with others.

As a starting volunteer, I feel that BTSYA is an amazing program that truly seeks to broadcast a positive and uplifting message to the world. This charity's every action contributes to the good in the world, be it on a larger scale or just the small everyday kindnesses that brings warmth to our hearts. Cynthia is a wonderfully ebullient and enthusiastic individual--a joy to work with.

Cynthia Brian and BTSYA have helped me out in so many ways! In a fun, safe environment, BTSYA has given me the opportunity to give back to the community and see the joy of those we have helped. I can't thank this organization enough and I can't wait to see the growth that will transpire in the years to come!

I could never say enough about Be The Star You Are! The work that the organization as a whole (and especially Cynthia Brian) does is incredible. They are able to touch the lives of so many young people in such an amazing way. The guidance that they provide is so crucial and it gives the youth community a better road to take. Congratulations on another great year, Be The Star You Are!

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1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
April 16, 201404/16/2014

Be the star your are is an amazing program that helps youth all over the country, even the world, gain knowledge, perspective, and guidance through many of life's challenges. The radio show has impacted so many lives through education and discussion of a variety of important topics. On a more personal level, the director, Cynthia Brian, has been a mentor to countless teens and young adults through her interaction with the charity. This organization is second to none!

Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?

How much of an impact do you think this organization has?

Life-changing

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2014

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1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
May 11, 201205/11/2012

Be The Star You Are! is an incredible organization that has been helping the national community for many years. The founder, Cynthia Brian, has done amazing work encouraging and educating a wide demographic of a global audience since the inception of the internet-based radio show. Personally, I have tried to bring her messages to my own community in an attempt to spread Cynthia's good word. I encourage everybody to pass along Cynthia's charity work and radio show to anyone and everyone who might benefit.

Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?

How much of an impact do you think this organization has?

Life-changing

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2012

Was this review helpful?

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1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
January 25, 201101/25/2011

The "Be The Star You Are" charity and radio program have been amazing for underprivileged youth and families since their beginning. The radio show has been wonderful in bringing to light important issues, as well as striving to educate the public and youth. Cynthia Brian, founder, continues to do great things through these programs and deserves more credit than we could ever give her. Thank you.

I work as a firefighter in the area of Los Angeles known as Watts. For those of you who aren't familiar with the area, it is one of the most underprivileged and gang-ridden areas of the entire country. So many of Cynthia's ideas and topics have helped me to talk with the people, especially the youth, of Watts during my encounters in various situations at work. I only wish people in my area could listen to Cynthia, as I will never be able to relay her message with any justice to her ability and passion.

Be The Star You Are has amazed me with their efforts in giving teens a voice to be heard. Every week I have the amazing opportunity to host and talk with new people, and I have to say that every person I have talked to has said they had a blast and are proud what BTSYA is doing for the public. I absolutely love how much BTSYA has given me the ability to build in confidence, grow in my talents, help me discover what my passions are, and meeting new exciting people. I am honored to be given the chance to change the lives of people and give a positive influence in the world. Be The Star You Are is not just an organization, it is a family. I love being apart of this wonderful group!